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The Ball: Football’s Olympic Torch

The Ball 2014

The Ball is a symbol of tradition, fair play and respect and a celebration of football’s capacity to bring people together all over the world.

New Model Army’s “Beautiful Game”

The Spirit of Football Network

FC Barcelona and Spirit of Football announced a joint social initiative on 23rd January 2013. To kick it off, the first-team players all signed a ball called “The Spirit of Barça” — a replica of The Ball 2014. This special ball is visiting schools across Brazil, including schools in a number of favelas.

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The 2018 route

The Ball 2018

The Ball 2018 left England on 25th March 2018 and travelled to the World Cup in Russia.

The 2014 route

The Ball 2014

The Ball 2014 kicked off from England on 9th Jan 2014 and headed to the World Cup in Brazil.

The 2010 route

The Ball 2010

The Ball 2010 left England on 24th Jan 2010 headed to the Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The 2006 route

The Ball 2006

The Ball 2006 travelled from London to the Opening Ceremony in Munich, Germany.

The 2002 route

The Ball 2002

The Ball 2002 was carried 7000 miles across Europe and Asia to the World Cup finals in Korea & Japan.